Job Title:Technical/Engineering Senior Buyer
Location: Milton Park, Abingdon (OX14)
Salary: Competitive
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
The Company aims to accelerate the adoption of fusion power generation by combining two emerging technologies – spherical tokamaks and high-temperature superconductors (HTS). Originally established in 2009 to design and develop small spherical tokamaks and compact fusion reactors for a range of applications, since then, the Company has unlocked a new route to scalable fusion power that is cost-effective and does not require huge infrastructure and capital expenditure.
The technology will revolutionise the world’s energy production – it will be possible to produce more energy, more cheaply and with fewer harmful side effects (e.g. with no long-term nuclear waste or carbon emissions). The company’s innovation has been featured on Channel 4 news, BBC News Click and Reuters news channel and they received a Technology Pioneer Award at the World Economic Forum on 2016. This is the chance to join a fast-growing high technology company with an agile, dynamic team and to tackle the challenge of a lifetime.
The Role:
They are seeking an accomplished Technical Buyer to support the rapid exiting growth of their Fusion Energy programme.
The Company’s requirements are not ‘off the shelf’ therefore the Technical Buyer will be responsible for developing a robust, sustainable Supply Partner Chain committed and capable of supporting their ambition to commercialise Fusion Energy.
Main Responsibilities:
- Be responsible for the end to end purchasing process for all Technical/ Engineering requirements
- Impart technical / commercial knowledge to the business developing awareness, and implementation of supply chain processes
- Balance both tactical and strategic initiatives to ensure our ambitious targets are achieved
- Ensure continuous supply of goods, communicate any supply issues which may pose a risk or impact business projects
- Develop ideas and strategies to improve operational efficiency, add value, aid business performance and development and work towards a strategy of continuous improvement
- Negotiate framework contracts, improved prices and terms of business with suppliers
- Review opportunities to make business savings utilising negotiation and procurement best practice tools and methods
- Create and manage a rationalised Supplier capability matrix
- Assess and evaluate suppliers and undertake performance reviews to ensure contract compliance and manage performance
- Ensure that a professional and consistent approach is taken in relation to all supply partner relationships
- Ensure compliance to Health & Safety, Environmental, Quality and financial guidelines
- Contribute to purchasing policies and procedures during supplier negotiations and contracts award process
- Explore alternate sources for goods and materials
- Undertake research on and evaluate existing and new suppliers, practices and technologies
- Pro-actively contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery or invoice issues
- Travel outside of Europe or North America on company business
The Candidate:
Essential
- Significant experience in an Engineering purchasing role with demonstrable delivery of strategic initiatives
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings
- Competent user of ERP systems & able to follow BOM structures Microsoft Dynamics NAV/ Team center
- Analytical, numerically astute with good problem identification and solution abilities
- Results orientated with the ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines
- Commercially and financially aware with keen attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to coordinate several projects simultaneously
- A good foundation of skills and knowledge of relevant supply chain, purchasing and sourcing concepts
- Innovative and embraces a personal challenge
- Confident, rounded thinking
- Strong proven experience of building and maintaining effective and productive relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers
- Proven negotiation, communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
- Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply
Desirable
- Experience from within a faced paced engineering environment such as Formula 1 or similar
- Experience in the procurement of castings and complex machined parts and electrical componentry such as HV power supplies
- Experience of sourcing new suppliers often covering new unproven technologies
- Experience of Supply Chain development and optimisation
- Experience of Process development and optimisation
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday, pro rata (plus bank holidays)
- Company pension scheme
- Eligible for company share option scheme after 1 years’ service
- Company bonus scheme, discretionary, dependant on performance
- Private medical insurance after 3 months service
Candidates with experience of: Purchasing Manager, Procurement Officer, Buyer, Purchaser, Buying Advisor, Buying Assistant, Purchasing Advisor, Procurement Advisor, Purchasing Consultant, Buying Consultant, Procurement Consultant, Assistant Procurement Officer, Assistant Buyer, Assistant Purchaser Supply Chain Administrator, Purchasing, Assistant Buyer, Supply Chain Graduate, Procurement Assistant, Buying Assistant, Supply Chain Assistant may also be considered for this role.
